Original
Multi-active
Costa Rica: Hike, Bike & Raft
8 days • 4.8
5
Excellent
55 reviews
8 days
Start
San Jose, Costa Rica
Finish
San Jose, Costa Rica
Trip Code
QVXC
Min Age
15
Trip Size
1 - 12
Physical Rating
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
Shared vehicle, Public bus, Raft, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (1 nights)
From £1,253(8 days)
Trip Informations
Why you’ll love this trip
Swap the concrete jungle for the real jungle on a guided nature hike into the Monteverde Cloud Forest Biological Reserve, home to some of Costa Rica’s exotic animals, like sloths, tropical butterflies and the elusive quetzal bird.
Raft along the Pacuare River – this area was ranked in the top five rivers of the world for whitewater rafting! You’ll tackle Class 3 and Class 4 rapids through lush green landscapes abundant in wildlife.
Cycle the quiet palm-fringed roads of Puerto Viejo and drop in at hidden beaches along the Caribbean coast.
Opt to ride some waves with a surfing expedition at a local beach, go stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal or take on some more challenging hikes through forest and coastlines – this trip allows you plenty of free time to take on our favourite adventures!
Make the most of your full free day in La Fortuna – there are lava-fuelled hot springs, water-based activities on Lake Arenal (like stand up paddleboarding with a volcano backdrop) or you can take a boat tour of Cano Negro Reserve and go wildlife spotting!
Is this trip right for you?
We've designed this trip with a mix of active adventures and nature activities, plus plenty of free time built in. Some days you might want to join optional activities for more adventure, other days you might prefer to take it easy and recharge. The schedule gives you room to customize your experience based on what feels right for you.
The included activities on this trip don't require a high level of fitness or skill, but it’s essential to be at least moderately fit if you want to partake in all activities.
Most of the activities (both included and optional) on this trip take place in the great outdoors. This means you'll need to be prepared to deal with insects and occasionally rustic conditions. It's all part of immersing yourself in this natural paradise.
Costa Rica is generally hot and humid year-round, and from May to October can be wet too. At nighttime and in locations at higher elevations it can get chilly. Protect yourself from the sun, bring light clothing you can layer and a waterproof jacket, and stay hydrated. Please carefully consider which time of the year you'll feel most comfortable travelling. Although most vehicles do have air conditioning, it has to work pretty hard to keep a full group cool.
With so much to see and do, Costa Rica can sometimes be expensive. Expect to pay more than you would in other Central American countries for a lot of things.
Itinerary
Hike, bike and raft your way through the wilderness of Costa Rica
If you’re looking for a Central American thrill, take on an eight-day active adventure through one of the world's greenest countries. Dive into Costa Rica’s wilderness and cascade down the rapids of Pacuare River in a raft, hike misty jungle trails in the Monteverde Cloud Forest and cycle along the coastline of Puerto Viejo. With plenty of free time to customise your adventure depending on your interests, you might opt to surf the Caribbean waves in palm-fringed beach towns or go stand up paddleboarding on Lake Arenal. Costa Rica is the perfect place for wildlife lovers (how many sloths can you spot?), active adventurers and those seeking a natural paradise.
Inclusions
Meals
6 breakfasts, 2 lunches
Transport
Shared vehicle, Public bus, Raft, Bicycle
Accommodation
Hotel (6 nights), Lodge (1 nights)
Included activities
Monteverde - Cloud Forest Entrance
Pacuare - 4hrs. Pacuare River white water rafting - Class 3 & 4
Puerto Viejo de Talamanca - Coastal Bicycle ride
Caribbean cooking demonstration
Optional activities
San Jose - Pre-Colombian Gold Museum (Entrance fee) - USD17
San Jose - National Museum (entrance fee) (Closed Sunday & Monday) - USD11
Monteverde - Coffee & Chocolate tour - USD47
Monteverde - Canopy Zip Lining (Entrance, Equipment & Transport) - USD101
Monteverde - Butterfly Garden and Insects Farm (entrance fee) - USD22
Monteverde - Suspension bridges tour - USD55
La Fortuna- Caño Negro boat tour - USD94
La Fortuna - La Fortuna Waterfall (Entrance only) - USD25
La Fortuna - Stand up paddle board - USD75
La Fortuna - Arenal hanging bridges (inc entrance fee, guide and shared transport) - USD75
La Fortuna - Arenal 1968 Volcano View and Lava Trails (Entrance fee) - USD25
La Fortuna - Paradise Hot Springs (entrance fee) - USD47
Manzanillo - Beginner surf lesson or Independent surfboard rental - USD65
Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge (donation for entry) - Free
San Jose - San Jose Bites and Sights Tour - Urban Adventures - USD49
Dates and availability
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Important notes
1. It is very important that you provide your height at time of booking so we can ensure that you have the appropriate sized bicycle when your trip starts. If you do not provide your height ahead of arrival we cannot guarantee a suitably sized bike for you.
2. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm on Day 1 in San Jose. There are no activities planned for the final day so you may depart at any time.
3. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
4. Please be careful when booking flights to/from San Jose; make sure you fly into/out of Juan Santamaria International Airport [SJO]. Please do not book flights to/from Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport [SJC] as this is located in California, United States.
Reviews (52)
5 stars
45
4 stars
5
3 stars
1
2 stars
1
Stephanie
May 13, 2025
Our Costa Rica adventure was truly an unforgettable experience! From the lush rainforests to the beautiful coastlines, every moment was filled with wonder. We’re so grateful for our guide, Sofie, whose expertise and passion for Costa Rican culture made the trip even more special. She went above and beyond to ensure we had an authentic and immersive experience, and we truly felt like we were exploring the heart of the country. This trip has left us with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for Costa Rica. We feel incredibly lucky to have had this opportunity and can’t wait to share our stories!
amy
May 12, 2025
This adventurous Intrepid tour was a great way to see several areas of Costa Rica over a short period of time. Excursions, transportation and accommodations were organized and smooth. It was a pleasure spending time in beautiful Costa Rica with an Intrepid tour guide leading us!
france
May 11, 2025
Manual Fallas was an exceptional guide...friendly, accommodating and knowledgeable. The experiences included (rafting, hiking and biking) were well.organiz3d and shared with like minded people which was awesome. The chance to have add ons was perfect.
Elizabeth
Apr 03, 2025
Our first visit to Costa Rica was so enjoyable and special thanks to Intrepid. They work hard to support the local economy and ensure that you learn about the culture and history of the place, in addition to making the trip super fun with activities and experiences. With two kids and full time jobs, it was awesome to have all the logistics taken care of by someone else.
Bianca
Apr 03, 2025
Book this trip, you will be so happy you did.
Scott
Mar 17, 2025
Excellent trip and awesome tour guide. If you are looking for adventure and a variety of activities, this trip is for you.
Shefali
Mar 17, 2025
5 STARS for the Costa Rica trip. Our tour leader Karol was fabulous, the group was great and everything was well organized and accomodating to changes. If you love adventure, I will highly recommend this trip.
Ellen
Feb 19, 2025
Absolutley Amazing trip mentally and physically amazing county and food and the most amazing tour guide Erick all in all AMAZING ALL AROUND best trip I have ever taken by far!
Rachael
Feb 18, 2025
BEST WEEK OF MY LIFE. BOOK IT. I AM NOT JOKING. An incredible itinerary, the most magical country I have ever been to, and I made friends for life. I have not shut up about this trip since I got back. Book it.
Arielle
Feb 12, 2025
So much fun! We explored so many different parts of the country, had an excellent tour guide, made wonderful friends on the trip, and took part in so many fun activities (hiking, biking, rafting, ziplining). Really fun to share the experience with a group, also more relaxing to not have to be concerned about the logistics of travel, and to have the expertise of a tour guide from the area.
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